The California Maritime Leadership Symposium (CMLS) organizing committee recently selected the California State Lands Commission as the 2013 Symposium Honoree of Merit and Captain Richard B. McKenna, Executive Director for the Marine Exchange of Southern California, as the recipient of the 3rd annual Gary L. Gregory Lifetime Achievement Award. The California State Lands Commission and Captain McKenna will be honored during a special reception at the 2013 California Maritime Leadership Symposium, which will take place February 20th through 21st, 2013 at the Sacramento Convention Center.

The Honoree of Merit Award is bestowed each year upon an individual or organization that has made a significant and demonstrable contribution to the Maritime Transportation System in the state of California. As the 2013 Honoree, The California State Lands Commission will be recognized during its 75th anniversary and acknowledged for its stewardship to the lands, waterways, and resources entrusted to its care through economic development, preservation, and restoration. “For the past 75 years, the State Lands Commission and its staff have endeavored to balance the goals of maximizing the return on the use of the State lands, waterways and resources entrusted to its care with providing the highest possible level of environmental and resource enhancement and protection for current and future generations. The Commission and its staff are truly honored to be recognized by the California Maritime Leadership Symposium for its efforts,” said Jennifer Lucchesi, Executive Officer for the California State Lands Commission.

Additionally, each year the Symposium organizing committee recognizes an individual who has exemplified a strong commitment to California’s maritime transportation industry throughout the course of a distinguished career. Due to his work with the Marine Exchange of Southern California and contributions to the industry, Captain Richard B. McKenna will be presented with the Gary L. Gregory Lifetime Achievement Award. “Considering the number of California Maritime Leaders that I hold in high regard, I am truly flattered and very appreciative of this prestigious award. The California Maritime Industry is relatively unheralded in its importance to the State, but is so vital to our economic well being. To be involved in this effort is reward enough, to be honored in such a way is both gratifying and humbling,” stated Captain McKenna.

The California State Lands Commission and Captain McKenna will be formally honored during a special reception at the 13th Annual California Maritime Leadership Symposium among an audience of peers, including policy makers, port executives, maritime industry leaders and transportation planners.

The CMLS has become one of the premier events focused on briefing Sacramento's policymakers on key matters related to the entire Maritime Transportation System. It is the only comprehensive forum for port executives, commissioners and other stakeholders across the state to seek resolution to the growing challenges the Maritime Transportation System faces. The CMLS is hosted by a broad-based Coalition. For more information, a program overview, and to register, please visit the Symposium webpage: http://maritimesymposium.com/